Broadband..Wireless/Routers/Ports...Help

[robbo3]

I need some tech help from those more technically minded than myself....it's not hard .

I just bought myself a laptop today...Toshiba A350/07C...and I would like to get rid of our dodgy Telstra dial up and move on to broadband. Slight problem being I have no idea what I should be looking for in terms of plans and equipment.

Thinking about going with TPG as a provider (sis and her bf recommended), not 100% sure though.....Telstra just seems so expensive. We can only get ADSL not ADSL2.

No idea how much downloads we would want.....not too much, but then with broadband we will obviously be downloading more then on dial up. After having really slow 31.2Kbps dial up anything will be faster so am thinking we don't need super high speed.

Obviously we only use the internet at home atm and we are stuck in the corner of the lounge room due to the phone line, but love the idea of being able to move around the house (hence the laptop) and it would be good if DH can use his PC and I can use the laptop at the same time.

I also like the idea of being able to use the Internet while away from the home (not necessary though...it just sounds good).

So what should I be looking for in terms of routers etc.....it is all gobbledygook to me .

TIA.

Hayley.

[kermi]

Why not just ask your internet provider to supply a wireless ADSL modem? One less piece of equipment to find space for or check connectivity on the network...

Try ringing around for deals.. Westnet have great reviews.
I had TPG years ago but changed to iprimus a few years back after no end of issues with my account.

For away from home, you'll need to look into a 3G modem which is separate to your ADSL modem (unless you can get one in a deal with a provider ).

Good luck!

[robbo3]

Thanks Carmen.

I am confused already off to google

[kermi]

[twinmama]

I can recommend IInet.

We have a modem/router - we have 3 computers connected to it, mine, the HTPC and DH's. It's setup so that if the other two computers are off I can still access the net, or vice versa. It sits next to DH's computer. It's wired as we got cable put through our walls as the wireless decided to start playing up. But we also use it via wireless for our Wii.

[melchpeppi]

Where we live we can only have Telstra - we have wireless broadband in all its glory, anyone can log onto it in the house (yay, forum parties ). It is fast but expensive. Not nice when you dont get a choice .

We have a Mac with airport, meaning that the modem is hiding up on top of the shelves and the computer is in the next room - no wires, no nothing

[mum2miya]

*hijack alert*
Cant anyone tell me the range of a wireless router? ie - can it be used 15-20 metres from the source in another building?

[kermi]

Depends on the letter on the router Donna. A Wireless G rated router won't go far (in our case it has a very weak signal by the time you reach C's back bedroom.. ) but if you want to go further then you'd be best to look for a Wireless N router.

[mum2miya]

Thanks Carmen

[Aunty Sharyn]

I am also with iinet [now joined with Westnet] ... been with them since 2002 and not had 1 complaint.

Here is their adsl rates ... [can be bundled with landline or voip etc]
iiNet broadband - plans

They also have a deal with 3G for a mobile broadband [to sign up for the plan]
iiNet - internet products

I have been thinking about buying the 3G outright and use their pre-paid plan for when I am away from home ... both options are shown here
https://store.three.com.au/broadband/iinet

to find the nearest 3G retailer to you go here ...
Three - Customer Care - Find a Store
Some BigW and Dick Smith stores are also resellers.

HTH